Mercury glass makes a popular and timeless home accent — refined and classic but not overly fussy. Unfortunately, genuine antique mercury glass costs a pretty penny. Luckily, there are cheaper options:
If you enjoy DIY, you can make your own mercury style glass. Take a vase or any other glass item and spray the inside with 2-3 coats of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint. Clean glass will ensure a proper coating of paint, but a less-than-perfect interior can lead to an interestingly spotty, aged look. Or, this tutorial uses a vinegar solution for the aged look. (And here’s my own version of a mercury glass vase.)
And if you don’t enjoy DIY? Don’t fret. Mercury glass reproductions are having their moment at all kinds of home stores.
Online seller Luna Bazaar has some of the cheapest options for votive holders (this one is $4.25), vases, and Christmas ornaments (including this $4.30 option).
If you prefer brick-and-mortar stores, West Elm has a good selection including these mercury glass votive holders ($5-8).
And this line of vases ($12-39). Pottery Barn has mercury glass at the moment as well, though fewer options under $40.
Are you a fan of mercury glass? Do you have a favorite source, or have you ever tried to DIY?